Join a Ministry

God has entrusted each of us with special gifts and talents which are given to us for the enrichment of the lives of others, not just for our own use. We’re called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. (1 Peter 4:10).

Virtual Ministry Fair

Jesus Needs You

We often talk about what we need to do for Jesus, but have you ever considered what Jesus needs from you? Attend the St. John Virtual Ministry Fair to see where you can best use your gifts and talents to serve God and your parish community.

To learn more about each ministry, please browse the information below and then fill out the interest form so we can tell you more about how to join. Remember, Jesus needs all of us to help build up his kingdom.

LITURGY AND WORSHIP

Altar Servers

Boys and girls ages 9-17 who wish to participate in a more active way at the Mass. They assist the Priest and Deacon to help make the ritual of the Mass proceed smoothly. Training is provided. Servers assist at regular Sunday Masses and at various Masses on special Feasts and Solemnities, i.e. Christmas, Easter, Holy Days of Obligation.

Altar Servers (Spanish)

Niños y niñas de 9 a 17 años que deseen participar de una manera más activa en la Misa. Ayudan al sacerdote y al diácono a ayudar a que el ritual de la Misa se desarrolle sin problemas. Se proporciona capacitación. Los servidores asisten en las misas dominicales regulares y en varias misas en fiestas y solemnidades especiales, es decir, Navidad, Pascua, Días Santos de Obligación.

Altar Care

Provide regular support in areas of cleaning, linen laundry, supply are attended to so that the sanctuary area of the church is ready for worship.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)

Children ages 4years old to 2nd grade are invited to learn the Word of God at their own level in a special gathering separate from the large Assembly during Mass. This is offered during the 11:00 am Mass on Sunday.

Church Environment

Decorating the church for special occasion, i.e. Christmas, Easter, etc. and throughout the year. Follow-up care for live plants. 

Corpus Christi/Adoration

Set-up and prepare for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday each week from 3:00-8:00pm. Insure that there are a minimum number of persons in attendance throughout the exposition time.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Men and women 16 years of age and older who are Confirmed and in good standing in the Church are invited to assist in the reverent distribution of the Eucharist.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (Spanish)

Los hombres y mujeres de 16 años de edad y mayores que están confirmados y en buen estado en la Iglesia están invitados a ayudar en la distribución reverente de la Eucaristía.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Homebound

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be asked to bring communion to the home-bound when the clergy is not available. Bringing the Lord to those who are not able to attend Mass is extremely rewarding not only for the person receiving communion but for the EMs involved. 

A booklet of prayers to read with the person and a pyx to transport the Eucharist is available. If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry or have questions, please click on the link below and submit your information.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Hospital

Extraordinary Ministers from all of Frederick County parishes bring Communion to the patients at Frederick Health Hospital on a daily basis. 

Bringing the Lord to hospital patients is extremely rewarding not only for the patients but for the EMs involved. You feel the grace of God when you are giving patients Communion and patients are so grateful for you being there and for having the opportunity to spend a few quiet moments with the Lord.

As to the commitment from the Extraordinary Ministers, it is common for the Extraordinary Ministers to serve Communion at the hospital twice a month but even once a month is available. Two EMs are assigned each day of the month and your arrival time is up to you. Some EMs come during the day and some after work, and  EM couples can serve together on the same day. Training will be available!

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - Nursing Home

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may be asked to bring communion to those who reside at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities when the clergy is not available. Bringing the Lord to those who are not able to attend Mass is extremely rewarding not only for the person receiving communion but for the EMs involved. 

A booklet of prayers to read with the person and a pyx to transport the Eucharist is available. If you are interested in volunteering in this ministry or have questions, please click on the link below and submit your information.

Ushers

Men, women, and/or families welcome worshipers as they enter the building and give assistance when needed. Collect the offertory, lead all to Holy Communion, distribute bulletins after Mass, and assist in extraordinary circumstances.

Ushers (Spanish)

Hombres, mujeres y / o familias dan la bienvenida a los fieles cuando entran al edificio y brindan asistencia cuando es necesario. Recoger el ofertorio, llevar a todos a la Sagrada Comunión, distribuir boletines después de la Misa y ayudar en circunstancias extraordinarias.

Lectors

Men and women 16 years of age and older who are Confirmed and in good standing in the Church are invited to proclaim the Scriptures at the weekend Masses and other liturgical celebrations.

Lectors (Spanish)

Los hombres y mujeres de 16 años de edad y mayores que están confirmados y en buen estado en la Iglesia están invitados a proclamar las Escrituras en las Misas de fin de semana y otras celebraciones litúrgicas.

Live Streaming

 

Sacristans (Spanish)

Los sacristanes son los hombres y mujeres que hacen el trabajo silencioso de preparar nuestro espacio sagrado antes y después de nuestras misas diarias y de fin de semana. Los sacristanes ayudan a preparar el altar para la celebración de la Misa, así como a limpiar y asegurar los artículos después de la Misa.

El términosacristánproviene de la palabra latina, sacer“, que significa sagrado. Los sacristanes hacen su ministerio detrás de escena trayendo a la mente las palabras de Jesús cuando dijo que no debemos hacer buenas obras solo para obtener recompensas (Mateo 6: 1).

Mass Coordinators

Men and women who prepare the sanctuary each week and on special occasions for the celebration of Mass, arrange for gift bearers, and insure all liturgical roles are filled for the celebration. Assist in extraordinary circumstances. 

Wedding Coordinators

Persons who are present at both the rehearsal and the ceremony to assist the presider in the smooth celebration of the wedding ceremony. 

Adult Choir

All persons high school age and up gather weekly to learn and rehearse music in preparation to enhance the liturgy and support the Assembly in musical worship. Rehearsals are held in the choir loft each Thursday from 7:30-9:30pm. The choir sings regularly three times a month rotating through the three Masses, on special feast days, and other special occasions. 

Youth Choir

St. Johns Children’s-Youth Choir

  • Open to Children and Youth—2nd grade to 8th grade.
  • No audition required.
  • Rehearses Thursdays in the Choir Loft 6:30 – 7:15 PM
  • Sings on the 4th Sunday of each month (Sun. 9AM) + Christmas Eve and Palm Sunday

*High schoolers may choose to join either the Youth Choir or the Adult Choir depending on their schedule needs and desired level of commitment.

Youth Choir (Spanish)

NUEVO Coro de Adolescentes: ¡Todos los adolescentes en el pastorado en los grados 9º12º son bienvenidos a participar en nuestro nuevo coro de adolescentes! Los ensayos comienzan semanalmente en septiembre, de 9:30 a 10:00 a.m. entre las misas dominicales en San José. El coro de adolescentes cantará en la misa de las 10:30 am el 2do domingo de cada mes. ¡Bienvenidos instrumentistas adolescentes!

Coro de niños: El coro de niños es para cualquier niño de 2º a 8º grado. Los ensayos comienzan en septiembre y tendrán lugar los miércoles de 6:30 a 7:00 pm. El Coro Juvenil cantará en la Misa de las 10:30 am el 4to domingo de cada mes.

Cantors

High school youth and adults are invited to be a part of this ministry. Singing and reading music ability are necessary. Training and musical support are offered. Cantors offer their gifts and talents each weekend at our Masses leading the Assembly in music worship.

Handbell Ringers

High school and adults are invited to be members of this group. No prior bell-ringing experience is required. Music reading ability is helpful but not absolutely necessary. Rehearsal are on Wednesday evenings 7:30-9:00pm in Rm 3 of the Bauer Evangelization Center.

St. John Schola

The Schola is a smaller acapella ensemble of 8-12 singers. Music reading is a requirement. This ensemble rehearses and sings throughout the year as requested.

Solo Instrumentalists

Middle school, high school, and adult instrumentalists with various instrument talents are encouraged to join our liturgical celebrations. Our Director of Music will assist with music selection and provide ample rehearsal time.

St. John Tuesday Night Prayer Group

Legion of Mary

 

Legion of Mary (Spanish)

Prayer Group (Spanish)

FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS

Baptism Preparation and Celebration

The Baptism Preparation and Celebration ministry assists parents who are seeking Baptism for their children and a lifelong journey of faith in Jesus Christ. Members help to lead Baptism prep classes and/or assist on the day of the sacrament, offering guidance and assistance to the families, letting them know what to expect, and being a warm presence to them.

Baptismal Program (Spanish)

El ministerio de Preparación y Celebración del Bautismo ayuda a los padres que buscan el Bautismo para sus hijos y un viaje de fe de por vida en Jesucristo. Los miembros ayudan a dirigir las clases de preparación para el bautismo y/o ayudan en el día de la Santa Cena, ofreciendo orientación y asistencia a las familias, haciéndoles saber qué esperar y siendo una presencia cálida para ellas.

Confirmation (Teens)

Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone. 

If you feel called to work with teens, we have a place for you.

If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.

 

1st - 5th Grade Faith Formation

Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone. 

If you feel called to work with youth, we have a place for you.

If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.

OCIA (Youth)

 

1st Reconciliation & Eucharist Prep

Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone.

If you feel called to work with youth, we have a place for you.

If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.

Middle School Youth Ministry/Faith Formation

Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone. 

Whether you feel called to work with middle schoolers, we have a place for you.

If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.

Youth Ministry 6th -12th grade

Passing on our Catholic Faith to others and inviting them into a living relationship with Jesus is the best gift you can give to someone. 

If you feel called to work with high schoolers, we have a place for you.

If you are worried that you do not know enough or that you have never formally taught the faith before, the Faith Formation staff is here to help you! No special knowledge is needed, just a love for your faith and a desire to share it with others. The catechist manual will provide specific planning tips and resource references to help you feel comfortable in this ministry.

Marriage Program (Spanish)

El ministerio de Preparación y Celebración del Bautismo ayuda a los padres que buscan el Bautismo para sus hijos y un viaje de fe de por vida en Jesucristo. Los miembros ayudan a dirigir las clases de preparación para el bautismo y/o ayudan en el día de la Santa Cena, ofreciendo orientación y asistencia a las familias, haciéndoles saber qué esperar y siendo una presencia cálida para ellas.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

OCIA is a faith process for anyone 18 years or older who is or might be interested in joining the Roman Catholic Church. It is a renewed ritual of an ancient process of becoming a full, active, participating member. We welcome all who are interested in becoming a member of the Catholic Church and invite you to learn as much as you would like.

OCIA is also for those adults who have not yet received Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion, and/or Confirmation.

OCIA (Spanish)
OCIA es un proceso de fe para cualquier persona de 18 años o más que esté o pueda estar interesada en unirse a la Iglesia Católica Romana. Es un ritual renovado de un antiguo proceso de convertirse en un miembro pleno, activo y participante. Damos la bienvenida a todos los que estén interesados en convertirse en miembros de la Iglesia Católica y los invitamos a aprender todo lo que quieran. OCIA también es para aquellos adultos que aún no han recibido el Bautismo, la Confesión, la Sagrada Comunión y / o la Confirmación.

MANNA

Once a month, join other men to feed your body and soul at MANNA! Come to be formed in your Catholic faith. Do it for your family. Do it for fraternity. Do it for yourself. Just once a month. Learn more here.

Women's Ministry

To give women in the pastorate a place to gather in grace and friendship, grow in faith, to be encouraged and equipped to share the love of Our Lord with each other and everyone we encounter. 

SOCIAL/COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Catholic Daughters

A national women’s club. The Court of Elizabeth Ann Seton meets at St. Joseph and invites women to grow stronger in their faith and reach out in service to God and His Church.

 

Knights of Columbus St. John Council 1622

The KofC is a fraternal order of Catholic men who pledge to live out their lives in strong accordance with the teachings of the Church. The Knights have pledged themselves to good works and mutual support of the local parish. Council #1622 meets at and supports St. John’s.

More information here

St. Joseph and St. John Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles Carroll Council Knights of Columbus

The newly formed St. Joseph and St. John Ladies Auxiliary of the Charles Carroll Council Knights of Columbus gather monthly on the St. Joseph Campus.  The Auxiliary is open to all women18 and older of the Pastorate to join. This organization fosters fellowship, faith, and service – no need to be married to a Knight to join!  If you are looking for a meaningful way to connect with others, deepen your faith, and serve your community and Pastorate, please come and see what we are all about! If you have any questions or need more information or are interested in joining, please contact Carol Collins at carolcollins411@hotmail.com

Lay Carmelites

 

Men of St. John

As “iron sharpens iron” we get together to develop our lives as Catholic men and grow as Christians, husbands, fathers, and men of integrity.  Meetings are every other Saturday morning for breakfast from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the Mountain View Diner, 1300 W. Patrick Street.

OUTREACH

After the Storm

An outreach ministry to persons and families who are struggling to re-establish their lives after severe economic loss and family distress.

Arimatheans

The Arimathean Ministry fulfills one of the seven Corporal Works of Mercy, to bury the dead. The name of the ministry comes from Joseph of Arimathea who cared for the body of Jesus by removing Him from the cross, wrapping Him in linen cloth, and laying him in Joseph’s personal tomb.  The main role of an Arimathean is to set up, prepare, and serve for a funeral Mass. This ministry is especially suited for people who are retired or people who have flexible work schedules. Training will be provided. Many funeral visitors are not parishioners or even Catholic and this can be a wonderful evangelization opportunity.

Creation Care

In response to Pope Francis call, this ministry 

makes people aware of the Church’s teaching regarding our responsibility in caring for creation and our environment.

Haiti Outreach Committee

The newly formed Haiti Outreach Committee of St. John’s and St. Joseph’s is committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact in the lives of students at the Institution Jerome Bellanton (IJB) in Camp-Mary, Haiti.

 

More information here

Hunger Ministry

Volunteers collect food after the Masses and adds them to the parish Food Bank

Loaves and Fishes

Volunteers order and organize food donations and distribute them to those in need in our parish community on specified dates each month

 

Martha's Ministry (funeral receptions)

Martha’s Ministry (funeral receptions) offers support to parish families suffering the loss of a loved one by providing families with a delicious sandwich and salad buffet following the funeral Mass or service.  Families are given the opportunity to spend time together with friends and relatives, to share favorite memories, and to support one another during that difficult time.

Committee volunteers set up, cater, serve and clean up from the meal, and offer a welcoming smile to the deceased’s family and friends. Usually dishes and desserts are donated by volunteers who prepare food for the reception; sometimes volunteers help to serve catered food that the family has arranged.  The service and food are all offered at no charge as generous parishioners care for one another in their time of need.

 

Peace and Social Justice

Volunteers are involved in educational awareness at the parish level and legislative advocacy at the city, state, and national levels. Activity also focuses on coordinating the various social justice outreach efforts of the parish and identifies areas where action is needed.

Respect Life

Pope St. John Paul II once said, “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” And so we go forth on mission to defend life, marriage, and the family, especially parents—the primary educators of their children. Join us in this spiritual battle by your participation in:

-40 Days for Life (October & Lent)

-March for Life (DC & Annapolis)

-Eucharistic processions

-Rosary rallies

-School board meetings

Cancer Support Group

The Cancer Support Group is for anyone touched by the disease – a loved one, caretaker, or other. While a lot of cancer patients receive support from friends and family, they may be looking for someone they can relate to, someone who may have a similar cancer experience. Support groups can help fill that void. .

The group meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at St. Joseph at 6:30pm. 

Rosary Making Ministry

The Rosary Making Ministry makes rosaries for the Pastorate and area Catholic schools in an effort to get the rosary in the hands of as many people as possible to help them come to know Jesus through Mary. We are seeking additional help to make these rosaries to continually replenish the supply. Training will be provided along with the necessary materials, and the rosary making is done in the comfort of your own home at your convenience.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The Society’s mission is three-fold: holiness of its members, friendship among its members, and service toward others. Members of the Society, called Vincentians, meet with Frederick County residents who need financial assistance to meet emergency needs like evictions, utility terminations, obtaining prescriptions, getting an I.D., putting gas in the car to get to the doctor, etc.  Donations from the weekly Poor Box, and from other parishes in the county, provide the funding to assist our neighbors in need.  If you’d like more information about becoming a member of St Vincent de Paul Society, email us at SVDPFred@gmail.com or call 301-662-4676 and speak to a Vincentian.  You’re always welcome to come into the office and observe our work.

Traveling Virgin Statue (Spanish)

Social Events (Spanish)

PARISH SUPPORT

Cemetery

The Board of Directors and the Advisory Board of St. John’s Cemetery are all volunteers who operate and maintain the beautiful and historic burial grounds one block north of St. John’s church. We do this sacred work to be close to our lost loved ones, family and friends, to remember, honor, and learn from them.

It is a special ministry where we work to ensure that the cemetery is preserved for future generations.

William Jarboe Grove, a local historian, wrote in 1928 in History of Carrollton Manor, Frederick County, Maryland”:

“St. John’s old graveyard probably contains more persons of note, or who have been conspicuous in their country, than any similar burying ground in the country.

… but, to me the most interesting spot about Frederick is Saint John’s Roman Catholic cemetery, on East Third street. Soldiers, jurists, statesmen, historians, are here buried.”

Join us in this timeless ministry.

Finance Committee

This committee is responsible for the formation and oversight of the parish budget. It is also for advising the Pastor on the proper care for the parish investments and long range financial planning.

Garden Club

This club is a service ministry dedicated to beautifying the church grounds. The members gather regularly to plant and groom the gardens and planters around the church facilities.

Pastorate Advisory Council

Advises the Pastor on issues facing the parish and future planning for parish growth and development.

 

SPANISH MINISTRIES

Coro de Adultos

Todas las personas en edad escolar y mayores se reúnen semanalmente para aprender y ensayar música en preparación para mejorar la liturgia y apoyar a la Asamblea en el culto musical. Los ensayos se llevan a cabo en el coro todos los jueves de 7:30 a 9:30 pm. El coro canta regularmente tres veces al mes rotando a través de las tres misas, en días festivos especiales y otras ocasiones especiales.

Coro Juvenil

NUEVO Coro de Adolescentes: ¡Todos los adolescentes en el pastorado en los grados 9º12º son bienvenidos a participar en nuestro nuevo coro de adolescentes! Los ensayos comienzan semanalmente en septiembre, de 9:30 a 10:00 a.m. entre las misas dominicales en San José. El coro de adolescentes cantará en la misa de las 10:30 am el 2do domingo de cada mes. ¡Bienvenidos instrumentistas adolescentes! Coro de niños:

El coro de niños es para cualquier niño de 2º a 8º grado. Los ensayos comienzan en septiembre y tendrán lugar los miércoles de 6:30 a 7:00 pm. El Coro Juvenil cantará en la Misa de las 10:30 am el 4to domingo de cada mes.

Monaguillos - Misa del Sábado

 

Ministros Extraordinarios de Santa Comunion

Los hombres y mujeres de 16 años de edad y mayores que están confirmados y en buen estado en la Iglesia están invitados a ayudar en la distribución reverente de la Eucaristía.

Ujieres
Hombres, mujeres y / o familias dan la bienvenida a los fieles cuando entran al edificio y brindan asistencia cuando es necesario. Recoger el ofertorio, llevar a todos a la Sagrada Comunión, distribuir boletines después de la Misa y ayudar en circunstancias extraordinarias.

Lectores - Misa del Sábado

Los hombres y mujeres de 16 años de edad y mayores que están confirmados y en buen estado en la Iglesia están invitados a proclamar las Escrituras en las Misas de fin de semana y otras celebraciones litúrgicas.

 

Legión de María

Sacristans

Los sacristanes son los hombres y mujeres que hacen el trabajo silencioso de preparar nuestro espacio sagrado antes y después de nuestras misas diarias y de fin de semana. Los sacristanes ayudan a preparar el altar para la celebración de la Misa, así como a limpiar y asegurar los artículos después de la Misa.

El términosacristánproviene de la palabra latina, sacer“, que significa sagrado. Los sacristanes hacen su ministerio detrás de escena trayendo a la mente las palabras de Jesús cuando dijo que no debemos hacer buenas obras solo para obtener recompensas (Mateo 6: 1).

Groupa de Oracióñol

OCIA
OCIA es un proceso de fe para cualquier persona de 18 años o más que esté o pueda estar interesada en unirse a la Iglesia Católica Romana. Es un ritual renovado de un antiguo proceso de convertirse en un miembro pleno, activo y participante. Damos la bienvenida a todos los que estén interesados en convertirse en miembros de la Iglesia Católica y los invitamos a aprender todo lo que quieran. OCIA también es para aquellos adultos que aún no han recibido el Bautismo, la Confesión, la Sagrada Comunión y / o la Confirmación.

Preparación y Celebración del Bautismo
El ministerio de Preparación y Celebración del Bautismo ayuda a los padres que buscan el Bautismo para sus hijos y un viaje de fe de por vida en Jesucristo. Los miembros ayudan a dirigir las clases de preparación para el bautismo y/o ayudan en el día de la Santa Cena, ofreciendo orientación y asistencia a las familias, haciéndoles saber qué esperar y siendo una presencia cálida para ellas.

Programa de Preparación Matrimonial
El programa de preparación matrimonial en St. John es un ministerio basado en la parroquia que permite a una pareja comprometida compartir y aprender de las experiencias cotidianas de una pareja casada que son miembros de la parroquia. Como parte de un enfoque de pareja a pareja para la preparación matrimonial, la pareja patrocinadora alienta y apoya a la pareja comprometida de la misma manera que los patrocinadores para el Bautismo y la Confirmación. Los materiales utilizados están aprobados por la Arquidiócesis de Baltimore. Las nuevas parejas patrocinadoras siempre están invitadas a unirse. Si se siente llamado a servir en este rol, complete y envíe el siguiente formulario.

Estatua Virgen Peregrina

Eventos Sociales